Several New York State genealogy societies will be hosting programs in August.
The multiple murders of James (Husted) Germond; his wife, Mabel; and their two children, Bernice and Raymond, at their Dutchess County farm in November 1930 is one of the most famous crimes ever committed in the Hudson Valley. The crime went unsolved for decades. The presenter, Dr. Vincent Cookingham, discusses his forensic investigation into this long cold case, which resulted in the publication of “The Germond Family Murders: A Forensic Conclusion to a Cold Case.” Cookingham has more than 50 years of investigative and forensic science experience as a law enforcement officer, corporate executive, consultant, and university professor in forensic science. For more information, go to: https://ocgsny.org/index.php/calendar-of-events/
Polish Genealogical Society of New York State will present “Beginnings of Tribal Organization and the Polish State Based on Archaeological Research” on Thursday, August 8 at 7 p.m.
While most of us can’t trace our Polish ancestry back to the Middle Ages, we might still be curious about what life was like for our ancestors who lived during this time. In this lecture, learn about the results of research on the oldest periods of tribal organization and the formation of the Polish state (6th–12th centuries), based on the latest archaeological analysis. Archaeologists are currently using many new methods as part of interdisciplinary studies. DNA analysis is also commonly used. According to the latest knowledge, many older views regarding the cultural situation in the early Middle Ages in Poland have changed. For more information, go to: https://pgsnys.online/meetings/
The Jefferson County NY Genealogical Society will hold a presentation on “Headstone Cleaning” on Monday, August 12 at 6 p.m. The presenter will be Allyson Stevenson, an area genealogist known as the “Crazy Cemetery Lady.”
She will demonstrate proper headstone cleaning techniques. Meet at the cemetery office at the North Watertown Cemetery on Bradley Street. Come prepared to learn the dos and don’ts of cleaning headstones. Wear study shoes and bring gardening gloves for those who want to learn techniques firsthand. For weather related updates, if necessary, please check the society’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonCountyNyGenealogicalSociety/
The Rochester Genealogical Society will present “Uncover Your Family’s Story Using the Periodical Source Index (PERSI)” on Tuesday, August 13 at 7 p.m.
Created by the staff of The Genealogy Center, the Periodical Source Index (PERSI) is the premier subject index for genealogy and local history periodicals. Containing over 3.1 million citations to readily available periodical sources, PERSI is a valuable tool to help you find your family’s story. Join the Genealogy Center senior librarian to learn how to make PERSI your new favorite tool in your family history tool box. To register, go to: https://mms.nyrgs.org/Calendar/moreinfo.php?org_id=RGS&eventid=139325
The Western New York Genealogical Society will offer genealogy assistance at the Central Library of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library on August 24 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 and 1:30 -4:30 p.m. The group will also be at the library on August 30 from noon to 3 p.m.
In addition — the Herkimer County Historical Society will host a genealogy workshop on Wednesday, August 28 at 5:30 p.m. Not sure how to start researching your family tree? Have you started your tree but now are stuck? Come in and meet with researchers. There is no charge. Just bring your laptop and your questions. For more information, call 315-866-6413.
